Order for Continuous ship unloader with Sulphur Safety System

Cargotec has received an order for a 1,800 t/h Siwertell ship unloader from the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative, India. (Picture: Cargotec)

Cargotec has received an order for a Siwertell ship unloader from the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative. The enclosed screw-type unloader will be used to discharge rock phosphate and sulphur at a rated capacity of 1800 tonnes per hour.

Bjuv, Sweden – According to Cargotec, the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative wanted a totally enclosed system for both environmental and safety reasons. The company specified a screw-type unloader for high efficiency and chose a Siwertell system from Cargotec equipped with a sulphur safety system. This system has been developed to solve the three main problems caused by unloading sulphur: a high explosion risk, extreme corrosion, and stringent regulations for environmental protection.

The Siwertell Sulphur Safety System is designed to prevent sulphur dust explosions in the conveying line and to evacuate explosion pressure in case a dust explosion does occur, without causing damage to equipment and endangering the safety of operators, personnel and other facilities. To prevent explosions and fires, the Siwertell unit is equipped with nozzles that spray water at the inlet feeder and in the conveyor transfer points. An automatic lubrication system lubricates and cools down end bearings and intermediate bearings.

"Even with preventative technology in place, there are rare occasions on which an explosion occurs or a fire starts, so Cargotec has designed a system that reacts immediately upon detection and extinguishes any fire," Anders Paulsson, Sales manager, Bulk handling, said. "Fire detectors along the conveying line automatically stop the conveyors and start spraying water from the fire extinguishing system. To manage an explosion, the conveyor's steel casings are reinforced with extra-thick steel, and explosion-venting valves fitted along the conveyors and dust collectors relieve pressure."

A specially-designed conveying line with stainless steel components ensures that a Siwertell unit is protected from corrosion and it is also practically maintenance-free. Components for the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative's system will be manufactured in Sweden and China for erection on site in Paradeep Port, Orissa, India. With a delivery time of 12 months, the unloader is expected to be in operation by early 2013.